Unlike many wild birds, Goldfinches are more likely to give up and fly away than to compete for food around a crowded nyjer feeder. It’s just not in their amazingly sweet disposition to fight for a spot at a feeder, which is sad because they’re wonderful birds to have around…especially in warmer months when they display vibrant yellow plumage.

A great way to solve this problem inexpensively, and still accommodate tons of finches in your yard is by hanging thistle socks. Made of durable nylon mesh with a draw cord type closure, these effective little feeders provide “all-over” feeding space for finches and others who enjoy nyjer seed.

They’re available in a variety of of sizes, from smaller sacks holding a few cups of thistle seed, to jumbo sizes holding a much as a pound or two. Some sacks even have wooden roofs, or some type of weather guard attached as well to help protect them from the elements.